craigdailypress.com

Squabbling siblings often come to mind when thinking of long trips with teenage brothers and sisters.

The common practice of attempting to annoy one another to their breaking point seems to occupy the hours between point A and point B.

But not Tori and Tanner Snyder.

The siblings, Tori is 17 and Tanner 15, are traveling to Australia together in June as part of the People to People Ambassador program, and say they have no qualms about getting along.

A two-week trip, the Craig siblings will spend their time learning about the culture and sightseeing. They will stay with a host family one night and in hotels the rest of the time.

The two will travel with other student delegates from Colorado, but are the only two from Moffat County.

“I’m most excited to stay with the host family and learn about the world outside of what we know,” Tori said.

“I’m pumped to go to another country,” Tanner said.

Although they’ve received letters from the People to People program before, the siblings said they’re mom finally allowed them to apply for the Australia trip, saying she felt comfortable they would be traveling together.

Teachers recommend students for the program and if chosen, students receive a letter asking them to apply.

The Snyders had to collect three recommendations from teachers and adults apiece, submit a $400 application fee and participate in face-to-face interviews.

But now that they’ve been selected, the Snyders have to raise the funds to go on their trip. And although they may apply their application fee to the total, at $7,000 each that’s no easy feat.

“It’s a scary number,” Tori said. “But it covers everything. You don’t have to take any extra money on the trip.” “Unless you want to, for souvenirs,” Tanner added.

The two plan to begin fund raising soon and are considering asking local businesses, hosting a pig roast and setting up a Facebook page.

However, the siblings say the money is worth it for the experience they’ll be getting.

“It’s a good way to step out of my comfort zone and get exposure to other people’s lives,” Tori said. “It’s also a good educational experience.”

The two weeks will count for college credit for Tori next year and high school credit for Tanner.

The siblings have some fears though.

“It’s a 28 hour flight,” Tanner said. “I’m also nervous about rules. U.S. rights don’t apply over there.”

“I’m most nervous about the flight and being away from my parents for two weeks in a new country,” Tori said.

For more information on the trip, to donate or help out in any way, call Trish Snyder at (970) 326-5360.

Darian Warden can be reached at 875-1793 or dwarden@craigdailypress.com